2. HeartSafe Community Certificate – Pauline Labrecque:In the agenda is an email to Suzanne Kane, from Pauline Labrecque, dated September 14, 2004, re: HeartSafe. EMT and Firefighter Pauline Labrecque and Central Mass EMS Corp’s member Diane Barletta came before the Board. Diane Barletta reported that Central Mass EMS Corp is promoting community awareness by developing the HeartSafe program. Pauline Labrecque taught Municipal employees CPR and placed defibrillators in different locations. The program operated under the Board of Health. Diane Barletta presented the Board with a certificate in recognition of the Towns efforts to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Diane Barletta also presented the Town with two “HeartSafe” signs to be placed on Town roads. Pauline Labrecque stated that out of 76 communities, Douglas was one of 20 to receive the recognition.

3. Chairman’s Announcements: Octoberfest: Shirley Mosczynski thanked the Octoberfest Committee and everyone who was involved with the Octoberfest; a great time was had by all.

4. Citizen’s Forum:No citizen’s came forward.

5. Auditor:In the agenda is the draft Audit Scope - Douglas School Department 9/24/04. Handed out prior to the meeting is a letter to Michael Guzinski, from Powers & Sullivan, dated October 5, 2005. Richard Sullivan of Powers & Sullivan introduced himself to the Board. He stated his company is based out of Woburn, MA. He went over the proposed scope of work as outlined in his memo. He stated he will conduct interviews with personnel and provide a report to assist the Town and School. Richard Sullivan stated he will start work this week intending to begin with meetings. He will have something in draft that they can discuss and then he will finalize the report. Rich Preston asked if he has seen the draft scope of work from Michael Guzinski. Richard Sullivan answered yes – there are some modifications to that. His focus is non-educational and administrative matters. He is not as familiar with DOE as the educators are – he will be looking at the internal control side so it will deviate a little from the punch list. Rich Preston made a motion to approve the scope of work as presented by Powers & Sullivan. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. All – aye.

6. Douglas Common Threads Collaborative – Derek Brown:In the agenda packet is a letter entitled “An Introduction to the Douglas Common Threads Collaborative” received September 23, 2004. Derek Brown a member of the Douglas Common Threads Collaborative came before the Board. He introduced the nonprofit corporative which was incorporated in 2004. He stated that if they do their job right the citizens of Douglas will be informed in all levels of government. Derek Brown stated they have been low profile because they have been getting organized. They are currently working on a “Welcome” packet for new comers. They are also working with Conservation to look into river cleanup. Derek Brown stated they are looking for new members. Interested parties can contact them at P.O. Box 832 or email at dctc@douglasma.com. Rich Preston asked if they hold regular meetings. Derek Brown stated they meet in the conference room of Attorney Debra Dunleavy’s office, the first and second Friday of each month at 8 am. Derek Brown stated they have not been posting their meetings because they are not required to do so. Rich Preston stated the Douglas Common Threads Collaborative has a noble endeavor and asked to let them know what they can do to support it. Shirley Mosczynski stated she admires their initiative to go forward – there are many things out there. Hopefully they can get more people involved.

7. Sign Waiver – Dunkin Donuts:In the agenda is a Sign Application for Dunkin’ Donuts received September 28, 2004; a copy of the proposed sign; and a letter to Sean Donavan, from Building Commissioner Adelle Reynolds, dated September 21, 2004. Sean Donavan representing Dunkin Donuts came before the Board. His application for a sign permit was denied. According to the letter from Adelle Reynolds, the sign exceeds the allowed size of 24 square feet and would make a third exterior sign which would exceed the number allowed. Mr. Donavan stated that in some communities the menu board is not considered a sign but part of a package for the drive through. Shirley Mosczynski stated it would be if it was included in the site plan. Shirley Mosczynski noted that on the application the owner of the building is listed as Ray Whitehead. William Cundiff stated there was a menu included on the site plan it came up during the ZBA meeting. Michael Guzinski suggested the Board could approve the waiver contingent on getting an approval letter from he owner. Paula Brouillette made a motion to approve the Sign Waiver for Dunkin’ Donuts as presented contingent upon receiving a letter from the building owner granting permission. Edward Therrien seconded the motion. All – aye. Paula Brouillette asked if they were pursuing changing the Sign Bylaw. Michael Guzinski stated he has spoken to Adelle Reynolds, they are looking into it.

8. Warrant – Special Town Meeting October 25, 2004:In the agenda is a draft copy of the Special Town Meeting Warrant for Monday, October 25, 2004 and backup material for articles. Michael Guzinski reported they need to call a Special Town Meeting. He stated there are thirteen articles and the Board reviewed each one.  Article 1: Library Construction Project: Michael Guzinski reported that the Library Building Committee and Library Trustees are meeting tomorrow night to discuss the final number to go to Town Meeting. They will also be meeting with the Finance Committee. If the article passes they have 90 days to vote. Article 2: Re-codification of Zoning Bylaw: Shirley Mosczynski asked if there were going to be amendments on Town floor. William Cundiff stated that in order for the article to be successful he suggests they limit the amount of amendments. William Cundiff stated there may be one due to a court decision in Hadley and there are a few that are recommended by Town Counsel. Article 3: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Rezone and Amend existing Zoning Map: Rich Preston asked William Cundiff if he has seen how this will work with the adult entertainment overlay. William Cundiff answered yes – they handled it by allowing adult entertainment in industrial zones only by permit. William Cundiff stated he will make a map available with this article.  Article 4: Transfer of Land for Route 16 Project: Michael Guzinski reported that this is a requirement of funding. He spoke with Town Counsel yesterday. The School Committee needs to vote on this – it’s a procedural issue. Rich Preston asked what happens to the land after construction – does it go back to the School. William Cundiff answered no – it will remain a right of way.  Article 5: Acceptance of Laurel Heights – Jepherson Drive: Shirley Mosczynski asked William Cundiff if he was satisfied that all the work that was to be done has been done. William Cundiff stated he is satisfied that the issues which caused it to be pulled are done. RH White proposed securing a surety agreement of $50,000 – it is currently being reviewed by Town Counsel. William Cundiff reported that this was acceptable to the Planning Board as a concept. It is on their agenda for the 12th and they will make a recommendation prior to Town Meeting as to if it meets their requirements. Article 6: Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School Budget: Michael Guzinski reported that because of the vote at the Annual Town Meeting to cut the budget and then other Towns voting to fund the budget; Douglas now has to meet their share. Shirley Mosczynski asked if the money has been set aside to which Rich Mathieu answered yes. Article 7: Engineering for Route 16 Project: Michael Guzinski reported that the total project is $68,000. William Cundiff stated the High School water/sewer changed the grade so they had to do more design work. Article 8: Payment to School for engineering of Route 16 Project: Michael Guzinski reported this was requested from the School for repayment of money that was used for engineering services that the School forwarded from one of their revolving accounts. The School has requested that the Town return the funds. Article 9: Reallocation of Funding Source: Rich Mathieu explained that last year while preparing the budget the State assessment for Choice Out was $457,000, choice out actually came in at $350,000. He misunderstood how he could appropriate the funds. Shirley Mosczynski asked when Free Cash would be certified. Rich Mathieu stated October 25th.  Article 10: Accounting Software – MUNIS: Rich Mathieu explained that this software will allow the Town and School to share the system. Article 11: Part time Clerical Wages for Water & Sewer Department: Rich Mathieu explained that Debby Harris is currently spending one day a week to help out at the Water / Sewer Department funding should come from their account. Rich Preston asked where it is coming from now. Rich Mathieu stated from Water / Sewer Free Cash. Michael Guzinski reported the motion will be more detailed. Article 12: Salary Adjustments: Rich Mathieu explained that the schedule he had did not update the part-time schedule in the background. The Health Agent is requesting a 3% COLA for stipend positions. Also the Senior Center Director has an issue inside the salary schedule – she did not receive a step and has requested one. Paula Brouillette stated the Board should follow up with stipends for FY06 to have it be consistent.  Article 13: Reserve Fund: Michael Guzinski reported that the Finance Committee has made transfers. Because it is only October and there is only 25,000 to begin with they would like to bring it back to the full amount. Rich Preston made a motion to approve the Warrant as presented. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. All – aye. Rich Preston made a motion to close the Warrant. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. All – aye.

9. Reschedule November 2nd Meeting:Shirley Mosczynski asked for this item on the agenda. Their regularly scheduled meeting on November 2nd is on the day of elections. Consensus of the Board to reschedule to November 1, 2004. Consensus of the Board to hold a Workshop on November 30, 2004 at 7:00 pm.

10. Minutes: August 17, 2004 - Regular Session: Rich Preston made a motion to approve the minutes of August 17, 2004 – Regular Session as amended. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. All – aye. August 17, 2004 – Executive Session: Paula Brouillette made a motion to approve the minutes of August 17, 2004 – Executive Session and not release. Rich Preston seconded the motion. All – aye. September 7, 2004 – Regular Session: Rich Preston made a motion to approve the minutes of September 7, 2004 – Regular Session as amended. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. All – aye. September 7, 2004 – Executive Session: Paula Brouillette made a motion to approve the minutes of September 7, 2004 – Executive Session and not release. Rich Preston seconded the motion. All – aye.

11. Administrators Report:There was no Administrator’s Report.

12. Old / New Business:New: Application for Library Building Committee: Rich Preston reported that Al Balasco of 5 Kelly Circle had submitted an application for Library Building Committee. He has been meeting with the Library Building Committee for seven weeks but no action has been taken on his application. Rich Preston stated he feels this was unfortunate when they have someone that wants to donate their time. Suzanne Kane explained that the application was sent to the Library Trustees and the Library Building Committee – she has not heard back from them. She spoke with Library Director Ann Carlsson who informed her that the Library Trustees are meeting tomorrow and she would bring the matter up. Rich Preston made a motion to appoint Al Balasco to the Library Building Committee subject to a favorable endorsement form the Library Trustees. Rich Preston explained that he and Al Balasco have been putting together an informational video for the Library project. Al Balasco has been working with the Library Building Committee on the sub-Committee. Paula Brouillette stated she appreciates people who volunteer their time; she feels the last two appointments on the Committee should be technical professionals as a pre-curser to a permanent building committee. Paula Brouillette stated that this just came up and she has not had time to review it. Paula Brouillette stated that the basis of her concern is she thought they were looking into having construction professionals for a 5 million dollar project. Shirley Mosczynski stated they need to look at some of the attendance of some of the other members; she had heard that there may be someone interested in stepping down. Rich Preston stated he agrees with Paula Brouillette however this Library Building Committee is not the Permanent Building Committee. Rich Preston stated that Mr. Balasco is a professional with a technical background and he understands that they have not had a chance to review it. Shirley Mosczynski asked the Board if it is ok to have Michael Guzinski check with the Library Trustees to see if someone may leave and then Mr. Balasco can fill his spot. Consensus of the Board.  Water/Sewer Project: Paula Brouillette asked for an update on the Water/Sewer project to be put on a future agenda. The Board asked Michael Guzinski to ask the Commissioner in on the 19th.  Tree on Franklin Street: Edward Therrien stated he took Michael Guzinski to Franklin and Main Street. A resident wants to change his driveway. Michael Guzinski reported that he did go with Edward Therrien and there are trees in public way. He feels they should be looked at by the Tree Warden. Shirley Mosczynski asked Michael Guzinski to give the street number to the Tree Warden.  Road Work: Shirley Mosczynski asked if they could get an update of road work for the 1st meeting in November. Edward Therrien stated he would have the information available.

13. Executive Session:Michael Guzinski recommended to the Board that they go into Executive Session to consider the purchase of real-estate. Rich Preston made a motion at 8:40 pm to go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the purchase of real-estate and to return to Regular Session for the purpose of adjournment. Paula Brouillette seconded the motion. Paula Brouillette – aye, Rich Preston – aye, Shirley Mosczynski – aye, Edward Therrien – aye.